News

TALLAHASSEE – After winning the Great Lakes division, the Buckeyes traveled to Tallahassee, FL to compete in the 2017 Collegiate Club National Championship on November 10-12. The team arrived on Thursday and had a tune-up practice to prepare for their first game against Boston College.

Against Boston College, the Buckeyes fell behind 3-0 early in the first but after a timeout to regroup, they settled in to tie the game 3-3 at halftime. The Buckeyes would prove too much for the Eagles in the second half, with Ohio State earning a spot in the quarterfinals with a 8-6 win. Goalie Ryan Shepard led the defense with 11 saves and the offense had a balanced attack with goals from Alex Puthoff (2), Drace Penley (2), Youssef Azzazy, Drew Wilson, David Drewes, and Robert DiSalle.

The quarterfinals matchup was with Cal Poly, who had knocked off the reigning champs in their first round game. The Buckeyes were unable to get the offense going in the first half, falling behind 5-1 at halftime. In the second half, the Buckeyes outscored the Mustangs 5-2, but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback. Shepard finished the game with 14 saves, and goals were scored by Orion Swanson (2), Drace Penley, Nick Hallett, and Alex Puthoff.

The loss to Cal Poly put the Buckeyes into a position to earn a spot in the fifth place game by playing their arch rival, the Michigan Wolverines. The game was what one would expect of a rivalry game, with the teams trading leads throughout regulation to end 6-6 after four quarters. Overtime was all Ohio State, scoring two goals and holding the Wolverines scoreless to claim an 8-6 victory and a spot in the fifth place game. Shepard earned Player of the Game with 14 saves and the offense was very balanced again with goals by Orion Swanson (2), Youssef Azzazy (2), Alex Puthoff, Stephen Ioas, Drew Wilson, and Drace Penley.

The fifth place game would be against the Golden Bears of California. In a very defensive game, the Buckeyes struggled to get the offense going, falling 4-8 to finish 6th at the Collegiate Club National Championship. Shepard had 14 saves and goals were scored by Orion Swanson (2), Nick Hallett, and Stephen Ioas.